Sasthampadikkal (75) had been keeping indifferent health for some time, Malayala Manorama sources said.

A keen political reporter and analyst, Joy had covered Kerala developments closely since 1970s.

Starting his career at a very young age with "Kerla Prakasam" as a desciple of KSP leader Mathai Manjuran, Joy later joined "Thozhilai" run by Fr Joseoph Vadakkan and then Telegrpah of K V Daniel in Thrissur.

After joining Malayala Manorama he became one of the daily's chief political reporters and covered  the events from the state capital for long before moving to Palakkad.

He had covered closely the ups and downs of various political players including the late Karunakaran from the state capital.